Self-locking chain-link.



E. E. FLEMING.

SELF LOCKING CHAIN mm.- AFPLICATIQN FILED MAR-29. i917 Patented New, 20, 191?- UNITED STATE Pd l lihlli EDWARD E. FLEMING, 0F HAGEBSTOWN, MABYLANIR SELF-LOGKING CHAIN-LINK.

masses.

Application filed March 29, 1917.

To all whom it may cor: Jam

Be it known that I, Enwixnn E, F Lmnns, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hagerstown, in the county of Washington 5 and State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements 'in' Self- Locking Chain-Links; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to chain connecting'devices and more particularly to that class of self-locking connecting devices for use connection with anti-skid chains for automobiles adapted to connect the ends of the webbed chains after they have been placed over the tire, and to fasten such ends and hold them securely so that they may not slip oil nor become unfastened While in use upon the wheel.

The objects ofmy invention are to provide a simple, light and inexpensive device of the character referred to, which will insure a positive connection whether used as a chain link or other fastening means, and which will be efficient and reliable in practical use.

The invention will first be hereinafter more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be taken as a part of this specification, and then pointed out in the claims at the end of the description.

In the drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of my device illustrating its use in connection with an anti-skid chain for auto-' mobiles;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device showingits connection with the links of a chain, and indicating in dotted lines a tool inserted between the shanks of the pivoted link members for forcing them apart;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of my improved device used as a link with one of the side plates removed to better illustrate the position of the link members when locked, said members bein indicated in unlocked position oy dotted lines; and

Fig. 4: is a longitudinal section of said device, and Fig. 5 illustrates a modified form of my invention.

In said drawings, in which the same reference letters are used to denote corresponding parts in dificrent views,'the letter A may denom my improved self-locking chain.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 20, 191?.

Serial No. isaszsa.

oblong plates a, a and intermediate link members 6, 6 said plates having hook portions at each end extending in opposite directions, and one or both plates having an aperture a therein intermediate its ends, but preferably centrally disposed register ing apertures to permit an ordinary screwdriver or pocket key to be inserted between the link members to pry them apart; said link members being pivotally secured one at each end of the side plates o and a Said link members Z) and 72 are each preferably constructed with a hook at one end and pivoted at their respective crooked ends between the side plates with their shanks confined between and substantially flush with the outer edges of the plate members, in order to provide a continued and uniform surface along said edges when the link members are in locked position, (see Figs. 1 and 3).

The extremities of the link members Z) and b are preferably beveled or inclined so that when the shank portions of said members are pressed inward toward each other between the side plates the beveled end of the shank of one link member will the dotted line position shown in Fig. 3,

and the link members are then pressed inward toward each other until they are locked together as above described, with the links and d slipped into the hook portions of the side plates and link members where they are retained until released. In order to re lease the link members, a screwdriver or any like implement may be inserted in the aperture a, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2, and the link members may be pried outwardly or apart so that their extremities are simultaneously relieved of the pressure under which they are held while .jiplded upon each other between the side In Fig. 2 the link members 6 and-t are shown or links of a chain, comprising a pair of oblong plates having eml-hooks which sexing from one edge thereof eml have re re bends which terminate in the plane of thereof and. overlie the the hooks, and a link member I (5 between the terminals of the plateand bowing a hook thereon Whieh exeled and adapted for interlocking ment when the shanks are moved in between the plates, and said. plates being aperturetl intermediate their ends fer "erting a tool to force the link men? ape;

6. A device for comprising oblong plates hating at a pair of books adapted to eng'" link, and means at the end thereof -m said pivot in a reverse direction eclaptecl to connect Wlth another lmlz, o the plate-hooks and a shank Wlnch exencls of a chem myv, een szucl plates toward the end whereby the oi'ning' U be connected, and a link lember fitted tween saicl plates and pivoteclthereto; Still link member having a hook at one end extending between and in :1 reverse direction to the plate hooks and a shank b1 g1 e tee from said pivot; said plates l g means 1e1eon With Wl1'ieh said-shank 1s orawn into binding cont-act by the pull upon the heel: of said link.

In testimony whereof I atlix my signature s ace between the boclv of the lntes anal the in the oresenee of two Witnesses.

engagement "-la 111': ms the plates remote Mom said. per;- oi' 7 A clevlee "for conneetmg a l out e 

